Ian Evatt has reflected on the romance of his childhood FA Cup memories and how the weight of expectation and history of Bolton Wanderers in the competition inspires him.
Wanderers are in first round action this weekend when they host fellow League One side Barnsley at the University of Bolton Stadium. Reward for victory is a place in the second round and £41,000 in prize money.
The aim for sides in League One and League Two is to reach the third round, which is where teams from the Championship and the Premier League enter the fray. Wanderers have a rich history in the FA Cup, having won the trophy on four occasions.
READ MORE: Bolton boss Ian Evatt on Barnsley FA Cup clash, difference from League One draw & November potential
Evatt originally hails from Coventry and has fond memories of his hometown club's exploits in the competition. The Sky Blues won the 1987 final 3-2 against Tottenham Hotspur and he believes the competition's romance remains alive and well.
The Bolton boss did not have the best fortunes in the competition as a player and as a manager, would like a cup run with Wanderers but know their League One fortunes are the priority. Having said that, Evatt believes there is pressure and history at Bolton which must be embraced as he says Wanderers will do their best to come out on top against the Tykes.
He said: “To be honest as a player, I never did any good, but being a young man from Coventry in 1987 was one of my first football memories and football moments, street parties in Coventry, seeing that team lift the FA Cup against a brilliant Tottenham team was one of my youngest and earliest memories as a person that loves football.
“The romance of the FA Cup is still very much alive for me and we want to do as well as we can.
“I don’t remember any of my teams having a cup run and most of the managers I played under changed the team immensely during cup competitions, and that changes things. But a cup run would be nice this year.
“We know, regardless of us trying to win every single football match, we know where the bread and butter lies this season.
“History is something you absolutely have to embrace at this club. Yes, it adds some pressure, but pressure is a privilege, and we are privileged to be here.
“Whether we are in the league or cup there is a weight of expectation, so we can only really deal with that by focussing on what is in front of us, the next challenge, and we think we have a chance to progress this year and then see who we get next round. Obviously the big boys don’t come until round three but we can only do our best and try and win the game."
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